Contributions
284 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNorthern Powerhouse RailOver the past five years, per-head transport spend in the east midlands has fallen to just 54% of the UK average—the lowest of any region or nation. Rail funding is even more…14 Jan 2026HANSARDUniversities: Statutory Duty of CareI absolutely agree. The reality, as I say, is that things have improved significantly. I am here today not to knock universities, but to ask the question whether, underpinning the…13 Jan 2026HANSARDUniversities: Statutory Duty of CareMy hon. Friend is right. What I am alluding to is the level of greyness that means that we see people falling through the gaps. Our responsibility in the House is to understand…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyThis debate on the mega-embassy is not just about a building and 208 secret rooms; it is primarily about national security and the safety of those from the Hongkonger, Chinese,…13 Jan 2026HANSARDUniversities: Statutory Duty of CareI beg to move, That this House has considered the potential merits of a statutory duty of care for universities. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Christopher. I…13 Jan 2026HANSARDUniversities: Statutory Duty of CareYes. I thank my hon. Friend for raising that point. Undoubtedly, “consistency” is a key word. It is about how we ensure that these issues are dealt with, through universities or…13 Jan 2026HANSARDUniversities: Statutory Duty of CareI will go on to mention the British Medical Association and its latest survey and work on the issue, but my hon. Friend is right to make that point. The patchwork of duties does…13 Jan 2026HANSARDUniversities: Statutory Duty of CareYes. That comes as a surprise, without doubt, particularly to parents who find themselves in very difficult circumstances when their children are not well, or in some of the more…13 Jan 2026HANSARDUniversities: Statutory Duty of CareMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. The cost of living has only exacerbated a problem that we knew existed, so it is right for this House to think very deeply about the question.…13 Jan 2026HANSARDUniversities: Statutory Duty of CareI thank the Minister for his response. I pay tribute to those in the Public Gallery, and I thank everybody for coming; the debate will not have been easy listening for some, so we…13 Jan 2026HANSARDUniversities: Statutory Duty of CareYes. Undoubtedly one of the universities’ biggest concerns is about how the duty would be implemented and what the implications would be. I am not shying away from the reality…13 Jan 2026HANSARD Rural CommunitiesI refer Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Too often, rural Britain has been spoken about and taken for granted, no more so than by the…07 Jan 2026HANSARD BBC Charter RenewalI am MP for Rushcliffe in the midlands. Is my hon. Friend aware that, according Equity, the midlands generates 25% of the licence fee income, but less than 3% of it is spent in…06 Jan 2026HANSARD Future of Thames WaterWill the hon. Lady give way?06 Jan 2026HANSARD Future of Thames WaterI think it was more a turn of phrase than anything else, but it was suggested earlier that customers were being treated as cash cows for servicing the debt of Thames Water. Will…06 Jan 2026HANSARDAgricultural Property Relief and Business Property ReliefI refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I thank the Minister for his engagement on this issue over recent months—it has made a real…05 Jan 2026HANSARDMiddle East and North AfricaOn behalf of my constituents, I welcome the establishment of the Palestinian embassy in London today. Syria’s long-term stability depends on protecting its long-standing diversity…05 Jan 2026HANSARD VenezuelaI read this morning that a former Under Secretary of Defence for Personnel and Readiness has said that he is not aware of any plans for how the next few days will be managed by…05 Jan 2026HANSARD Rights of Women and Girls: AfghanistanEarlier, my hon. Friend mentioned Fawzia Koofi, who spoke to the International Development Committee. In her evidence, she told us that “the main Taliban agenda is women.” Does my…05 Jan 2026HANSARDLocal Government FinanceOn behalf of Nottinghamshire county council, I thank the Government for a £234 million—or 30%—increase over the course of this Parliament, which will make a huge difference, and…17 Dec 2025